Hoi An, Vietnam

Another one of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, Hoi An is a gem on the coast of central Vietnam. The old town feeling that keeps visitors coming is because of a series of fortunate events. Not only did Hoi An escape destruction from the war, increased sedimentation of the Thu Bon River channel also suspended trade to the once prominent seaport, preventing the high rise development that marks the rest of the country. Beautiful, historic architecture and a well preserved distinct culture helped pave the way for tourism, making Hoi An one of the wealthiest towns in Vietnam. The nightlife is also energetic, speckled with lights, and filled with celebratory rituals true to the local heritage. Hoi An is also the most popular place in Vietnam for travelers to design and purchase tailor-made garments, capitalizing on the affordability and selection of Asian silks.

Tailor Made Clothes

Whether or not you love fashion, this is a fun experience that gives a glimpse into the Vietnamese textile industry and you can make everything, from cocktail dresses to tennis shoes! Hoi An is crammed with tailors and the hardest part is certainly selecting the shop, so do your research. Keep in mind that lower prices may mean lower quality so ask to see some samples first.

Part of the fun of being a fashion designer is certainly the fabric market, where you’ll find stacks and stacks of a variety of silks and suit fabrics. Bargaining is expected for a fair deal, but also don’t forget that you are interacting firsthand with the country’s textile industry. Another important thing to be aware of is that everybody knows the ‘best’ tailor in town and will often get a commission if they direct you to a certain tailor. So experience it by yourself and see what feels right for you.

The whole process will take a couple days or more depending on alterations so plan accordingly and allow five days for the clothes to be finished is a safe bet.

An Bang Beach

When you’ve enjoyed the wonderful vibe of the calm city life that Hoi An offers, it gets better. Why? Because there is also a decent beachlife. You can take a motorbike or taxi to the close by An Bang Beach which will take you less than 10 minutes. We advise you to go at the end of the day to experience a wonderful sunset.

Our thoughts

Hoi An ends up being many people’s favorite stop on their Vietnam tour, primarily because it’s hard for any type of traveler to dislike. It’s within budget for backpackers, comfortable for the less active and compelling for anyone curious about Vietnamese culture. A great option is staying in nearby Da Nang, which also has nice and affordable accommodation but with a beachier vibe and less of a tourism presence.

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